Maryland joins other states in uniform drug testing plan for horse racing

Maryland racetracks will share uniform drug testing rules with seven other states in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast after the state's racing commission gave final approval Tuesday to the new regional plan for thoroughbreds and standardbreds.

Under the new rules, which take effect Jan. 1, the states will share a list of 24 permitted substances, will allow only the anti-bleeding drug Lasix to be administered within 24 hours of a race and will guarantee that their testing labs are accredited.

The plan received broad support from Maryland horsemen, racing officials and jockeys, with the only significant opposition centering on a new ban of "adjunct" medications to limit bleeding. Maryland, Virginia and Louisiana currently permit the medications, and some longtime veterinarians have said the state should hold strong in allowing them.

"It's an inhumane decision to get rid of the adjuncts," said veterinarian George Harmening at Tuesday's commission meeting in Laurel.

"In my opinion, we've looked closely at it, and this is something the commission needs to do," replied chairman Bruce Quade. The plan then passed by a 4-1 vote.